Sustainable packaging: what influences Italian consumers purchases

The quality of the shipping process is a key factor in optimizing the transport and storage of goods within a warehouse. For this reason, the importance of purchasing durable and highly performing cardboard boxes should absolutely not be underestimated. Are cheap cardboard boxes really the ideal solution? Many companies think that to save money it is necessary to purchase cheap cardboard boxes. A business philosophy that inevitably clashes with the actual quality of the production chain and the shipping process. Those who lack experience in the packaging sector, in fact, believe that all cardboard is the same and that choosing boxes with perhaps one less wave does not involve any risk. Nothing could be more wrong.   Find out more: “Cardboard boxes for warehouses: the best characteristics”   Disadvantages of cheap boxes Let us assume that “cheap” does not necessarily mean low quality. The problem arises when the cost is significantly lower than the market average, involving substandard materials and packaging created without following any type of standard. Ergo, if you buy excessively cheap cardboard boxes, the percentage of running into low-quality products just to save a little money is rather high. How could you justify damage to goods caused by the ripping or failure of the packaging? Not to mention the high costs you would incur, alongside a drastic drop in your corporate reputation. The same applies to cheap and poor quality boxes used to store goods in warehouses. Just think about the level of humidity your products would face. And then there is the supply factor: those who sell low-cost products do not always guarantee compliance with delivery timelines, and this could cause significant inconvenience for customers. Remember, in fact, that the cost of a cardboard box is not only about its quality, but also about the service. You must consider that orders arrive in a useful time frame and think about managing product quantities with careful and meticulous organization. Therefore, those who work with shipments cannot afford delays and long times to receive the packaging needed to ship the goods that customers order. Otherwise, they risk losing them definitively.   Which cardboard boxes to choose If you decide to rely on a dynamic and flexible partner capable of providing a range of proven quality packaging solutions, you will not have to worry about packaging that might break during transport, open up, or fail to support the load of the goods inside. And then there is customer support: customers, in fact, must be constantly reassured about any doubts and uncertainties regarding their orders. With the skyrocketing growth of e-commerce and related online purchases, customers wish to know when the package will arrive, in how much time, and if the transport will not encounter any type of problem. It goes without saying how inconceivable it is to buy low-quality boxes just to save money. Some accidents can happen, but they must not be caused by cheap boxes of this type. The inevitable consequence is managing returns and compensating customers, procedures that steal precious time and money from the company.   Cart-One produces corrugated cardboard sheets that ensure the best performance and a responsible attention to quality. The sheets are transformed into American boxes, die-cuts, displays, and special boxes. From single wave to double wave, from cardboard produced with entirely recycled papers or with moisture-resistant papers, from simple printing to high-definition four-color process, customers can choose from various standard packaging proposals or experiment with completely customized solutions that, in addition to protecting and safely handling their contents, make the product more visible and attractive within the point of sale. In an increasingly competitive and demanding market, cardboard boxes for packaging must be able to satisfy every request and need, in order to guarantee you maximum efficiency in terms of resistance, usability, and sustainability. Contact us to receive more information.   Read also: “5 tips for better organizing company shipments”

Pizza boxes, bread bags, pasta packaging: paper and cardboard are everywhere in our kitchens. But what do we really know about these materials? And how are they revolutionizing the way we store and consume food? Paper and cardboard food packaging: a sustainable revolution in the world of packaging. The food industry is constantly evolving, as is the way products are packaged and presented to consumers. In this ever-changing landscape, paper and cardboard are emerging as protagonists of a true sustainable revolution in the world of packaging. Read also: “Packaging: paper is the fastest-growing food packaging material” The boom of paper and cardboard: an ecological and versatile alternative Paper and cardboard are conquering more and more space on supermarket shelves, gradually replacing plastic packaging and other less ecological materials. This trend is driven by a growing environmental awareness among consumers, who seek products with a lower impact on the planet. But the advantages of paper and cardboard go far beyond sustainability: Biodegradability and recyclability: unlike many plastic materials, paper and cardboard are biodegradable and easily recyclable. This means they can be reintroduced into the production cycle, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Versatility and personalization: paper and cardboard offer endless possibilities for customization in terms of design, shape, and size. Producers can create unique packaging that stands out from the competition and effectively communicates brand identity. Food safety: when properly treated, paper and cardboard are safe for direct contact with food. Specific regulations exist to guarantee the absence of harmful substances in food packaging. Lightness and resistance: despite their lightness, paper and cardboard can be surprisingly resistant, especially when combined in multi-layer structures. This makes them suitable for protecting food during transport and storage. Cost-effectiveness: in many cases, paper and cardboard represent a cost-effective packaging solution, especially when considering economies of scale in production and the availability of recycled material. Paper and cardboard: a world of variety There is not just one type of paper or cardboard, but a wide range of materials with different characteristics: Kraft Paper: produced from virgin fibers, it offers high quality and resistance and is suitable for direct contact with food. Recycled Paper: obtained from the recycling of used paper, it represents an ecological and sustainable choice. Corrugated Cardboard: used for boxes and protective packaging, thanks to its wavy structure that offers adequate resistance to stress. Paperboard: thinner and lighter than corrugated cardboard, multi-layered, it is suitable for direct contact primary packaging. Paper through time: a millenary history The history of paper is a fascinating journey spanning millennia and continents. From ancient Egypt, where papyrus was used as a support for writing, to China, where the process of producing paper from plant fibers was invented, all the way to Europe, where paper became an essential element for the spread of culture and knowledge. Today, the paper industry is a cutting-edge sector that uses innovative technologies to produce high-quality paper and cardboard while respecting the environment. Paper recycling: a pillar of the circular economy Paper recycling is a fundamental process to reduce the environmental impact of the paper industry. Thanks to recycling, it is possible to recover the cellulose fibers contained in used paper and transform them into new paper, reducing the need to cut down trees and saving energy and water. The paper recycling process involves several stages: collection, sorting, cleaning, repulping, de-inking, and new paper production. Each stage is crucial to guarantee the quality of the final product and its compliance with safety standards. Health and safety: the challenges of paper and cardboard packaging Despite numerous advantages, paper and cardboard packaging also present some challenges in terms of health and safety. In particular, it is important to consider the risk of chemical migration from packaging to food. Among the potentially dangerous substances that can migrate from paper and cardboard to food, we find: PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances): used in some treatments to make paper resistant to water and grease, PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment and potential negative effects on human health. MOSH and MOAH (mineral hydrocarbons): can derive from offset printing inks or mineral oils used in the paper manufacturing process. Some MOAH are considered potentially carcinogenic. Heavy metals: such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, can be present in traces in recycled paper. Chemical additives: such as optical brighteners, dyes, and adhesives, can migrate into food under certain conditions. To ensure the safety of paper and cardboard packaging, it is essential that manufacturers comply with strict quality standards and use certified materials for food contact. Regulations and quality standards for consumers The food packaging industry is subject to a series of regulations and quality standards aimed at ensuring consumer safety. In Europe, Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 establishes general requirements for all materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. Furthermore, there are specific corporate management system standards for the production of paper and cardboard packaging, such as: BRCGS Packaging Materials: a global standard covering all aspects of food safety and packaging quality, from design to production. FSSC 22000 Packaging: a certification system that integrates the ISO 22000 standard for food safety management with technical specifications for packaging. IFS PACsecure: an international standard focused on the safety and quality of food packaging materials. These standards provide manufacturers with clear guidelines on how to ensure the safety and quality of their packaging, minimizing the risk of food contamination. The future of paper and cardboard packaging The paper and cardboard packaging industry is constantly evolving, driven by the search for increasingly innovative and sustainable solutions. Emerging trends include: Development of barrier materials: special coatings and treatments that improve the barrier properties of paper and cardboard, protecting food from moisture, oxygen, and light. Use of alternative fibers: such as hemp, bamboo, and algae, which offer sustainable alternatives to traditional wood fibers. Active and smart packaging: packaging capable of interacting with food to extend its shelf life or provide useful information to consumers. The future of paper and cardboard packaging is promising, with enormous potential to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible food system. Toward a greener future with paper and cardboard packaging Paper and cardboard are revolutionizing the world of food packaging, offering sustainable, versatile, and safe solutions. Thanks to their biodegradability, recyclability, and personalization, these materials are conquering more and more space on supermarket shelves, responding to consumer needs and the environmental challenges of our time. Choosing paper and cardboard packaging means making a conscious choice for a greener and more sustainable future. Cart-One offers tailor-made packaging solutions to meet the specific needs of our customers. Whether it is packaging delicate products or large goods, we have the ideal solution for you. Our packaging cardboards are not just containers, but a commitment toward a more sustainable and resilient future. Investing in our products means investing in quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. For more information or to request a personalized quote, do not hesitate to contact us. To learn more: “Packaging cardboards: what materials are they made of?”

The world of food packaging is undergoing a true revolution, driven by an extremely promising protagonist: paper. Packaging: paper is the fastest-growing food packaging material. As environmental concerns rise and consumers become increasingly aware of their choices, the food packaging industry is shifting toward sustainable and innovative solutions. In this context, paper emerges as the fastest-growing material, bringing a range of benefits that go far beyond environmental sustainability. Read also: “Reducing the environmental impact of packaging: what Europe mandates” Sustainability comes first One of the primary reasons paper is experiencing strong growth as a food packaging material is its eco-sustainability. Unlike traditional plastic packaging options, paper is biodegradable and compostable. This characteristic not only reduces negative environmental impacts but also meets the demands of a market increasingly focused on sustainability. Consumers actively seek products that reflect their ecological values, making paper an attractive option for brands wishing to stand out. Saying goodbye to plastic has become more and more important for modern consumers, and paper packaging is rapidly becoming the answer to this need. An increasing number of Italian families are embracing the idea of more sustainable packaging, with 65% in 2022 choosing a product specifically because of its eco-friendly packaging. Meanwhile, 19% gave up on buying a product due to its unsustainable packaging. Versatility and adaptability Paper offers high versatility, adapting to a wide range of packaging needs. From bags to boxes, and from tissue paper to folding containers, paper lends itself to multiple applications without compromising food quality or safety. Its flexibility allows packagers to create tailor-made solutions that meet the specific preservation and presentation needs of each product. According to research by Nomisma, the trend toward paper and cardboard is not just about beverages, but is gaining ground in every food sector, from fruit and vegetables to frozen foods. This reflects a significant cultural shift, with consumers placing higher value on packaging sustainability in every single part of their shopping cart. The power of recycling Italy has proven to be a powerhouse in recycling, generating 1 billion and 525 million euros in environmental benefits in 2021 through packaging recycling and recovery, according to the Conai Sustainability Report. This not only helps to save raw materials but also significantly reduces primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Italy, already a European leader in per capita packaging recycling, is in a privileged position to guide Europe toward a more sustainable future. Protection and freshness Contrary to common perception, paper is not just a sustainable choice, but also offers effective protection for food. Thanks to advancements in paper production technology, it is possible to develop solutions that maintain food freshness, protecting products from external factors such as light and moisture. This translates into longer shelf life for food products and a reduction in waste. Beyond practical aspects, paper also helps enhance the consumer experience. Its tactile and visual nature creates a unique sensory experience, evoking a sense of authenticity and connection with the product. Brands can leverage this feature to communicate their commitment to sustainable practices and create an emotional bond with consumers. Cart-One has always been a promoter and implementer of the circular economy—the produce-consume-regenerate-recover model—ensuring that our production waste becomes a paper reel and, ultimately, a box once again within our facilities. We firmly believe in protecting the environment, which is why we pay the utmost attention to saving raw materials and continuously improving our production processes, aimed at reducing our impacts on water, air, and soil. Contact us for more information or to request a free quote for your packaging. Cart-One specializes in specific packaging for companies that produce and sell pasta, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages such as beer, fruit, vegetables, canned tuna, milk and dairy products, sweets, and chocolate. Together, we will find the solution best suited to your needs. To learn more: “Sustainable and recycled paper for product packaging: case studies”